Method and apparatus for modifying the reproductive mechanism of organisms

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for sterilizing matter by inhibiting the reproduction of organisms therein. The matter is treated at low energy levels, as by the use of a plasma discharge or by electromagnetic excitation to destroy or disrupt the functioning of the DNA molecule of the organisms.

United States Patent [1 1 Glyptis 1 1 Apr. 8, 1975 METHOD AND APPARATUSFOR MODIFYING THE REPRODUCTIVE MECHANISM OF ORGANISMS [76] Inventor:Nicholas D. Glyptis, 756 E.

Northwest l-lwy., Elmhurst, 111. 60067 [22] Filed: Mar. 8, 1971 [21]Appl. No.: 122,159

' Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation of Scr. No. 713,912.March 18. 1968,

abandoned.

[52] US. Cl 21/54 R; 21/102 R; 195/1; 250/531; 426/235; 426/237; 426/238[51] Int. Cl. A611 1/00; A611 3/00 [58] Field of Search ..250/49.5 R,49.5 TE,

250/495 GC,49.5 TC, 531; 21/54 R, 102 R; 195/78, 1; 99/217, 221, 233,253; 426/235,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.553.289 5/1951 Alexanderet a1 21/54 R UX 2.729.748 1/1956 Robinson 250/495 TE 2.824.969 2/ 1958Crowley-Milling 250/495 TE 2,887,583 5/1959 Emanuelson 21/102 R X2,891,838 6/1959 Kaye 21/58 3.013.154 12/1961 Trump 250/495 R 3.057.79210/1962 Frohlich... 250/495 R X 3.057.795 10/1962 Frohlich... 250/495 TCUX 3.095,359 6/1963 Heller 21/54 R UX 3,383,163 5/1968 Menashi... 21/54R 3,600,126 8/1971 He1lund.... 21/54 R Primary E.\'aminerBarry S.Richman Attorney, Agent, or FirmWegner, Stellman, McCord, Wiles & Wood[5 7 ABSTRACT A method and apparatus for sterilizing matter byinhibiting the reproduction of organisms therein. The matter is treatedat low energy levels, as by the use of a plasma discharge or byelectromagnetic excitation to destroy or disrupt the functioning of theDNA molecule of the organisms.

10 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures ELECTRICAL- RCE ADDITIVE GAS VACUUM PUMP(\RLHILL m ELECTRICAL- SOURCE ADDITIVE VACUUM GAS PUMP VARIABLE HIGHFREQUENCY VOLTAGE 5 62 GENERATOR AMPLIFIER VOLTAGE 7 i3 CONTROL/ l POWERSOURCE l/Vl/A/TOg .rzmmmno PER CENT KILL sausage @LECTRlC/QL METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR MODIFYING THE REPRODUCTIVE MECHANISM OF ORGANISMS Thisapplication is a continuation of my application Ser. No. 713,912, filedMar. 18, 1968, now abandoned.

A major aspect of this invention is concerned with a method formodifying the reproductive mechanism of organisms and with apparatus forpracticing the method. More particularly, one aspect of the invention isconcerned with the sterilization of matter by inhibiting thereproduction of organisms therein.

A principal feature of the invention is that organism reproduction isinhibited by subjecting the organism to a low energy excitation which,it is presently believed, alters the DNA (deoxyribonucleic)macromolecule of the cells of the organism by one or a combination ofthree effects:

1. circulating electric currents;

2. disruption by ionized particles;

3. hot chemical reactions.

These effects result from or are enhanced by exposure of the matter toan ionized atmosphere or plasma.

Prior sterilization methods in common use have been of three types heat,gas or radiation. Heat sterilization generally involves exposure tosteam under pressu:e (often superheated) for several hours. Kills havebetn achieved in shorter time under extreme conditions of temperatureand pressure which are not suit able for general use. Gas sterilization,as with ethylene oxide, kills by alkylation of the organism and requiresa long period of gas immersion, sometimes as much as 24 hours, dependingon the nature of the article being sterilized. With high moisturelevels, the time can sometimes be reduced to 3 hours. It is suitableonly for a batch-type operation; and the long time required makes itquite expensive. Radiation sterilization, as with radio-active cobalt 60(gamma rays), electron beam penetration or the like, is carried out atvery high energy levels. Potentials of the order of 0.5 to millionelectron volts (MEV) and currents from 0.5 to milli amperes are common.Such energies require extensive shielding to protect the operator. It isnot unusual to carry out the work within a concrete enclosure havingwalls 6 to 8 feet thick. The equipment used is expensive. The highenergy levels used often alter the material being sterilized, as bychanging taste or color, for example. The capability of sterilizing atlow energy levels eliminates the expense and inconvenience of shielding,and side effects on the matter being treated.

A feature of one form of the invention is that the matter to be treatedis exposed to a plasma, i.e., an ionized gaseous environment, in whichthe particles making up the environment are charged at a low energylevel. More particularly, the plasma is established by exciting arearfied atmosphere, generally by an electric field. One or a ombination of the following effects contribute to the prevention oforganism reproduction:

l. the establishment of circulating alternating currents within the DNAmolecule of the organism, resulting in destructive heating or disruptionof its electrochemical molecular communication system;

2. disruption of the DNA molecule by the impact of a charge particle ofthe plasma;

3. a chemical reaction between a constituent of the atmosphere andorganism which takes place very rapidly as a result of the high energylevel of the plasma.

Another feature is that the atmosphere which is ionized includes gasparticles which penetrate the matter and the organism therein to agreater extent than ionized air particles.

A further feature is that the plasma is excited by electric, magnetic orelectromagnetic fields at one or more discrete frequencies for selectivekill of undesirable organisms. By exciting the plasma with one or morespecific frequencies, the energy may be concentrated in narrow portionsof the specturm where it is most effective, and the total energyminimized, avoiding modification of other organisms. This selectivitypermits use of the process in curing certain illnesses.

Still another feature of the invention is that the molecular structuresof the organisms are oriented to enchance the selectively of the actionof the discrete frequency excitation.

Yet a further feature is that the low energy charged particles of theplasma have a mean-free path substantially greater than the diameter ofthe DNA molecule of the organism. This characteristics of the methodcontributes to the efficiency of the sterilization operation.

An apparatus for practicing one form of the method includes meansdefining a chamber, a pair of spaced electrodes in the chamber, meansfor evacuating the chamber, a source of electrical energy connected withthe electrodes and means within the chamber for supporting the matter tobe subjected to the low energy plasma.

Another feature of the apparatus of the invention is that is includes ameans for establishing plural electric and magnetic fields at pluralfrequencies. For example, with an electrostatically excited apparatus, aplurality of pairs of spaced electrodes are provided, having electricshields between adjacent electrodes, with different pairs of theelectrodes connected with different sources of electric energy.

Further features and advantages of the invention will readily beapparent from the following specification and from the drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of an apparatus for practicing theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a spark gap power pp y FIG. 3 is aschematic diagram of a fixed frequency alternating current power supply;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a variable frequency alternatingcurrent power supply;

FIG. 5 is a plot of voltage as a function of time for the spark gappower supply;

FIG. 6 is a plot of current as a function of time corresponding with thevoltage of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plot of the percentage of kill curve as a function of thedosage factor;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of the path of a charged particleshowing several organism cells;

FIG. 9 is a simplified, diagrammatic illustration of an organism cell;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of the circulating currents in aDNA molecule;

FIG. 11 is an outline drawing of a modified apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic illustration of another modified apparatus;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic illustration of another modified apparatus;

FIG. 14 is an elevation of an apparatus for continuous processing ofarticles;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a continuous processing apparatus;

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic illustration of another apparatus useful inpracticing the invention;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic plan view of a processing apparatus forpracticing the invention as a part of a continuous operation; and

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary elevation taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

As a part of the following description of the invention of theinvention, there will be given specific information regarding apreferred mode of performing the process. This specific informationrepresents details of a method which has been found to be effective.However, several variations in the specific steps are discussed hereinand others will be apparent.

In FIG. 1 an article 20 is shown in a chamber 21 in which an environmentis established for promoting sterilization of the article. The article20 may be a foodstuff which is sterilized in order to permit storage foran extended period without spoilage, or may be a product which should beutilized in a sterile state.

Chamber 21 is formed by a cylindrical wall member 22, as of glass, withupper and lower plates 23, 24, respectively, sealed to the ends of thecylinder by gaskets 25. The end plates 23, 24, are secured together bytie rod 27 and nut 28. In practice, several tie rods are used, althoughonly one is illustrated in the drawing for simplicity. End plates 23 and24 are conductive and are connected with an electrical source whichestablishes an electric field within the chamber 21. The plates arepreferably of metal as is tie rod 27. A sleeve 31, of insulatingmaterial, surrounds tie rod 27 where it passes through plate 23,electrically isolating the plates. The interior of chamber 21 isconnected through a passage 24a in plate 24 with a vacuum pump 33,through a valve 34 with a source 35 of additive gas and through valve 36with an air inlet.

Inside chamber 21 a platform 40 is mounted on legs 41 above passage 24a.Article 20 is supported above platform 40 on an openwork frame 42, ofinsulating material, which holds the article without masking thecontents.

Briefly, the sterilization operation is carried on in the followingmanner. Chamber 21 is evacuated by operation of vacuum pump 33 and thena plasma is formed within the chamber by establishing an electric fieldbetween plates 23, 24, which serve as electrodes. The term plasma asused herein means an environment in which the molecules are ionized. Theionized molecules of the atmosphere penetrate the package of article 20and reach any living organisms therein.

If alternating energy is present in the treatment zone within chamber 21at an appropriate frequency, as in the field exciting the plasma, or inan auxiliary field, electrical currents are induced in the nucleus ofthe organism cells, and more particularly in the DNA molecule thereof,which alter or destroy the DNA molecule and prevent reproduction of thecell. With the capability of cell reproduction lost, the organism dies.The cells of different organisms respond to currents at differentfrequencies, permitting selective treatment. The ionized environmentprovides coupling between the field and the organism.

Ionized (charged) particles of the plasma have sufficient energy topenetrate the protein shell of the organism cells. When the chargedparticles strike the DNA molecules, cross linkages in the molecule arebroken or modified, impairing the reproductive capacity of the organism.The ionized particles are equivalent to the secondary electrons and ionsgenerated by high intensity electron beam sterilization, but are exciteddirectly at a low energy level.

The constituents of the plasma (primarily oxygen and nitrogen with anair environment) react chemically with the organism. Under ordinaryconditions, the reactions occur slowly and may have no adverse effect onthe organism. With a plasma in which the molecules have an elevatedenergy level, the reactions are greatly speeded up.

It is important to the process that charged particles of the plasmareach the cells of the organism. Several gases have moleculeswith'greater mobility or a higher molecular coupling coefficient thanthe constituents of air. Such an additive gas may be introduced intochamber 21 by opening valve 34 after the chamber has been evacuated.

The plasma within chamber 21 may be established by different types ofelectrical excitation. The spark gap power supply of FIG. 2 has inputterminals 45 connected with a suitable electrical source, as I20 volt,60 cycle AC. A step-up auto transformer 46 is connected with a tunedcircuit including capacitor 47 and inductor 48, which is the primarywinding of an output transformer 49. Vibrator switch contacts 50,connected in series with inductor 48, are magnetically actuated to closeand open 120 times per second by coil 51, connected through on-offswitch 52 across the line. When the contact is closed, current flowsfrom capacitor 47 and transformer 46 to inductor 48 and oscillationoccurs at a rate determined by the values of capacitor 47 and inductor48. The output, a burst of oscillatory energy recurring at a 120 cyclerate, is connected from secondary winding 53 to the electrode plates 23and 24 of chamber 21.

In FIG. 3 a simple 60 cycle AC power supply is shown having anadjustable auto transformer 55 with a primary winding 56 connectedthrough input leads 57 and an on-off switch 58 with a 60-cyc1e source.The output of the autotransformer is derived from secondary winding 59through an adjustable tap 60 and is connected with a primary winding 61of a step-up transformer 62. The secondary winding 63 of the step-uptransformer is in turn connected with electrode plates 23 and 24.

A third power supply is illustrated in FIG. 4. A variable frequencydriving signal from generator 65 is connected with a higher voltageamplifier 66. A voltage control 67 permits the operator to set theoperating conditions of the amplifier and thus the output voltage. In arepresentative embodiment, the variable frequency generator has a rangeof I-lz to IOOKHz and the peak voltage output'of the amplifier is of theorder of 50,000 volts.

The selection of one or a combination of the exciting signals depends onthe nature of the organism to be treated. Specific examples will begiven below.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are curves illustrating the nature of the ionizing voltageand current, respectively, with the spark gap power supply of FIG. 2.The ionizing voltage comprises a series of energy bursts at a cycle rate(determined by the closure of contacts 50) with each burst containingseveral cycles of energy at a fundamental frequency determined by theinductance 48 and capacitance 47 of the tuned circuit. In this case theoscillatory frequency is of the order of 1 kilohertz, but has anirregular pulse shape which results in the presence of many harmonics.Accordingly, the exciting energy covers a wide range of frequencies. Thewaveshapes occurring on alternate half-cycles of the 60- cycleenergizing voltage are similar in shape but opposite in polarity. Thecurrent curve of FIG. 6 shows the major portion of the current flowsduring the initial half cycle of the energizing voltage establishing theplasma within the chamber. With a chamber having 15 inches spacingbetween the upper and lowerelectrodes 23,24 and a diameter of 10 inches,the voltage waveform of FIG. 5 has a peak-to-peak value of 70 kilovoltsand the current waveform has a peak-to-peak value of O. 14 ampere. Thisgives a peak power rating of the order of 10 KVA. The duty cycle is ofthe order of 10 per cent, however, so that the average power required islow as compared with the peak power.

The effectiveness of the plasma discharge in killing microorganisms isillustrated in FIG. 7 where the per cent kill is plotted logarithmicallyas a function of the dosage factor. The dosage factor is a compositeterm which combines the time duration and the intensity of the plasmadischarge. The curve shows that for a particular microorganism a dosagefactor can be selected which will reliably effect a 100 per cent kill.Different dosage factors may be necessary for different types oforganisms. The plasma discharge does not appreciably raise thetemperature of the matter treated. However, it has been found thatefficiency of the process may be improved by operating at an elevatedtemperature, but below a temperature at which the matter is modified.

It is my theory that several different factors contribute to thesterilizing effect of the processes described herein. First, thealternating fields coupled through the plasma to the organisms set updisruptive currents which alter the DNA molecules to an extentsufficient to prevent reproduction. I believe these currents are complexfunctions of electron and ion mobilities and concentrations, in thenature of currents in semiconductors. Complex resonant currentconditions have been observed in effecting a complete kill. Althoughcirculating electric currents are believed to be a major factor indisrupting the ability of the DNA molecule to control reproduction ofthe organism, more complex effects also take place, including electronspin resonance and multiple nuclear magnetic resonance, both of whichmodify the characteristics of the organism. All these effects arebelieved to be caused, at least to some extent, by subjection of theorganisms to an alternating field, electric, magnetic orelectromagnetic, at an appropriate frequency or combination offrequencies.

The plasma improves the energy transfer from the fields to the organism.

Second, charged particles of the plasma penetrate the microorganismsand, upon striking a cell, give up energy which breaks bonds within theDNA molecules. If, for example, the phosphate-sugar bond is broken,reproduction is inhibited. The effectiveness of this aspect of theprocess depends on the relation between the mean-free path of theparticles (i.e., the distance they travel before striking an organism oranother particle) and the organism size. Preferably, the mean-free pathis greater than 5 or even 10 organism diameters. This characteristic isrelated to the level of vacuum in which the plasma is established, themean-free path being an inverse function of the pressure. Thesignificance of this characteristic is illustrated in FIG. 8 wherecharged particles follow paths 75, 76 and 77 through organism cells 78.The charged particles which follow paths 76 and 77 are shown strikingcells 78a and 7812 while the particle which follows path passes betweenthe organism cells and strikes another particle at X. If the particlepopulation is large (high pressure), most of the charged particlesstrike other particles when they have traveled a distance which is shortwith respect to the organism size, and very few particles will strike anorganism. Accordingly, it is important that the pressure be reduced toincrease the mean-free path of the charged particles.

Third, a chemical reaction between the plasma constituents and theorganism destroys the organism. This is analogous to the alkylation ofgas sterilization, but much faster. The energy of the particlesresulting from the excited condition of the plasma speeds up thechemical reaction so that even oxygen or nitrogen from the atmosphereare effective sterilizing agents. More common sterilizerrs, as ethyleneoxide, may be used, with a further time saving.

It is estimated that approximately 50 per cent of the energy of thecharged particles is dissipated in penetrating the cell while the other50 per cent is utilized in destroying the capacity of the organism toreproduce. The diagrammatic representation of a typical cell in FIG. 9shows that the nucleus 80 is surrounded by a shell 81 which in turn issurrounded by a protein layer '82. The gaseous constituents ofatmosphere, principally oxygen and nitrogen, are not particularlyefficient in penetrating the protein layer and shell of an organism. Thetreatment can be improved by utilizing a gas which is more effective inthis respect. Examples are ethylene oxide and CCl F one of the gasessold as a refrigerant under the trademark FREON. When ethylene oxide isused, the chemical action of the process is also enhanced.

A catalyst (as cesium) may be used to modify the characteristics of theplasma, permitting an increase of power without the use of excessivevoltages. Above 30KV some shielding may be desirable to limit theradiation of soft X-rays. Such shielding is much simpler than that usedfor present high intensity radiation.

The DNA molecule has a spiral chain link configuration illustrated inFIG. 9 with a variety of chemical links between the longitudinal members84, illustrated by the dashed lines 83. This cross-linked constructionpermits the establishment of a variety of circulatory currents indifferent paths, indicated by the arrows. The various paths havedifferent resonant characteristics and permit selective modification inthe DNA molecule by subjecting it to excitation at a frequency orfrequencies which establish currents in some paths but not in others.

A control over the sterilization'process is commonly made by includingin one or more of the articles treated a spore strip of an organismwhich is particularly difficult to kill. One such organism is bacillussubtillus var. globigii. In a typical test, a strip having 10 organismsthereon is placed in the article to be treated. Following treatment, thestrip, or a sample from the strip, is incubated to determine whether theorganisms are capable of multiplication.

With the apparatus of FIG. 1 and the power supplies of FIGS. 2 and 3,consistent kills have been achieved using the following procedure:

I. Evacuate chamber 21 to a pressure of 300 microns;

2. Energize with the spark gap power supply of FIG.

2 for a period of 3 minutes;

3. Open air inlet valve 36 to return the chamber to atmosphericpressure;

4. Evacuate again to a pressure of 300 microns;

5. Add a gas (as CCl F to a pressure of 5,000 microns, permittingthorough penetration of the article by the gas;

6. Evacuate to 1,500 microns;

7. Energize from the spark gap source for 3 minutes.

At this point in the treatment, consistent 99 per cent kills have beenachieved. It is believed that losses in the spark gap power supply havereduced the treatment efficiency so that the kill is not 100 per centeffective. The following additional steps insure complete kill:

8. Admit air to atmospheric pressure;

9. Evacuate to 500 microns;

l0. Energize from the power supply source of FIG. 3 with a voltage of1,500 volts, RMS (and a current of the order of 0.5-0.9 amps);

l l. Admit air to atmospheric pressure;

12. Evacuate to 500 microns;

13. Add CCI F to 5,000 microns;

l4. Evacuate to 1,500 microns;

15. Apply 3 minutes power from the power supply of FIG. 3.

With the power supply of FIG. 4, the following procedure has been foundeffective for the vacillus subtillus:

1. Evacuate to 300 microns;

2. Energize for 3 minutes, varying the frequency from 2,00OH to20,000I-I at each of three peak-to-peak voltage settings, IZOKV, 160KVand 200KV;

3. Evacuate to 300 microns;

4. Add CCl F- to 4,500 microns;

5. Energize for 2 minutes, 20 seconds, as in (2) above.

Salmonella paraphi have been killed with this treat ment:

1. Evacuate to 300 microns;

2. Energize for 5 minutes (100 seconds each) 2,0001-12 at 120KV 5,000 Hzat 150KV 10,0001-12 at I70KV;

3. Evacuate to 300 microns;

4. Add CCI F to 4,500 microns;

5. Evacuate to 500 microns;

6. Energize for 5 minutes (100 seconds each) 2,000H at 140KV 5,0001'1 at150KV 10,00011 at I90KV;

7. Add CClgF- at 1,000 microns;

8. Energize for 6 minutes 40 seconds (100 seconds each) 2,000H at 300KV5,000H at 220KV 10,000H at 200KV 20,0O0I-I at 160KV.

Sterilization has been effected within a tin coated steel can. Anordinary can of tuna fish from a grocers shelf was opened and a globigiispore strip placed inside. The cover of the can was resealed withsolder. The can was then subjected to the following treatment:

1. Evacuate to 500 microns;

2. Energize for 3 minutes at 160001-1 40KV;

3. Evacuated to 500 microns;

4. Energized for 3 minutes at 1,400H and 55KV. The spore strip wasincubated. At the end of 12 hours, there was an indication that theglobigii had grown. The rate of growth then diminished and at the end of72 hours no globigii remained alive. A globigii control strip incubatedwith the test strip showed continued growth throughout the 72 hourperiod.

An apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 11 for exciting a plasma withdifferent types of energy. An elongated cylindrical body 90, as ofglass, defines the space within which the plasma may be formed, and hastransverse extensions 91, 92 and 93, 94 forming crosses therewithadjacent either end. The ends of the cylindrical body and of each of thecross extensions are closed by plates 95 through which connections maybe made to the interior of the body. Extending outwardly from the covermembers for extensions 91 and 92 are supporting tubes 96 for electrodeplates as 97, 98, 99 and 100, within the extensions. In the specificstructure of the drawing, electrode 97 cooperates with electrode 100while electrode 98 cooperates with electrode 99, so that electric fieldsare established therebetween when the elec trodes are energized as bypower supplies of the character shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Focusingelectrodes 103 may be associated with each of the field establishingelectrodes. Adjacent electrode assemblies (i.e., electrode 97 and itsassociated focusing electrode 103) are isolated from the adjacentelectrode assemblies by shields 104. The article 105 to be treated issupported in the treatment zone on a platform 106 at the intersection ofthe main body and the transverse extensions 91, 92.

The apparatus is evacuated by a pump 108 connected through valve 109with extension 94. Test probes as Langmuir or Faraday probes may beintroduced into the interior of the chamber through axial extensions110, at either end. Gauges, as for pressure level and temperature, maybe introduced into extension 93 at 1111.

Magnetic coils 112, 113, 114, placed around the cylindrical housing andextensions 91, 92, surrounding the position of the article beingsterilized, provide excitation the exciatation of the plasmamagnetically at one or several frequencies. Furthermore, suitableenergization of the coils with direct current sets up a magnetic bottleor magnetic well effect which concentrates and contains the plasma.

FIG. 12 illustrates schematically another apparatus for electricallystimulating a plasma discharge at a plurality of frequencies. Here acylindrical chamber has therein three sets of opposed electrodes 121,121 122, 122', and 123, 123. Each pair of electrode is connected withthe corresponding signal generator, 121a, 122a and 123a. The signalgenerators may be operated at the same or at different frequenciesdepending on the nature of the organism (not shown) to be treated.Shield members (shown diagrammatically at 124) are interposed betweenadjacent electrodes.

FIG. 13 illustrates a specific structural arrangement in which adjacentelectrodes 127 are isolated by portions 128 of the wall of chamber 129which extend inwardly beyond the location of the electrodes.

In FIG. 14 an apparatus is shown for thecontinuous processing ofarticles 135 carried through a treatment zone on conveyor belt 136. Aplasma is formed in the atmosphere and the organisms within the articlesare excited by electromagnetic radiation from a horn radiator 137connected through waveguide 138 with a suitable source, as a signalgenerator, not shown. A second horn radiator 139 is connected withanother source of power through waveguide 140 and is located belowconveyor 136, directing radiated energy upwardly toward articles 135. Iftreatment at additional frequencies is desirable, further radiators maybe placed at other points along the length of conveyor 136.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15, the articles on conveyor 136 mayalso be subjected to a magnetic field (or a piurality of them)established by currents flowing through coils 142. The pole pieces 143associated with each coil serve to concentrate the flux in the path ofthe articles.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate an apparatus for applying a unidirectionalmagnetic orienting field to the matter being treated. The chamber 150defining the treatment zone is again provided by cylinder 151 closed byconductive end plates 152, 153. Details of the connections with theelectrical circuit, the vacuum pump and the source of additive gas arenot shown, but may be generally the same as that illustrated in FIG. 1.Article 154, to be treated, is located within chamber 150. A magneticstructure 155 has a pair of tapered poles 156 diametrically located oneither side of chamber 150 and intermediate the ends thereof. A pair ofcoils 157 on core 155 are energized by direct current to establish ahigh intensity unidirectional magnetic field within the chamber 150. Theunidirectional field may be of the order of at least one kilogauss andmay be as high as 20 kilogauss, depending on the nature of the organismstreated. The intense magnetic field serves to orient the molecularstructure of the organism to be treated in a plane generally at rightangles to the axis of the plasma. In addition to the electrical fieldestablished between the plates 152 and 153, the plasma may be excitedmagnetically by coils 160, 161 wound around the cylinder 151. Thealternating plasma fields from coils 160, I61 are also at right anglesto the unidirectional magnetic orienting field. The orienting fieldcoils need be energized only when the plasma is excited.

The establishment of a uniform orientation for the structure of theorganism improves the frequency selective characteristics of the processso that the organisms may be treated with a lesser dosage factor than isrequired when they are not oriented. Coils 163, 164, 165 and 166 extendgenerally the length of cylinder 151 and have their axes paralleltherewith. They are energized with direct current, the polarity ofdiametrically opposed coils being the same, as indicated in FIG. 17.These coils focus and concentrate the plasma in the center of chamber150, for maximum effectiveness in treatment of organisms located at thecenter of the treatment zone.

In FIGS. 18 and 19 an apparatus is shown for performing the process as apart of a continuous production line. A plurality of enclosures 170 aremounted on a conveyor 171 for travel in a closed loop 172. Eachcontainer has a top 173 and a bottom 174 which may be opened by asuitable mechanism (not shown); and is attached by a flexible connector176 with a distributor 177 mounted at the center of the conveyor loop.

Each container is airtight when closed and may be evacuated. Energizingelectrodes and coils, as those illustrated in FIGS. 1, l1 and 16, andotherwise disclosed herein, are provided for the container, though theyare not illustrated in detail. Flexible connector 176 includes multiplepassages and electrical conductors for establishment of a desiredenvironment in the treatment zone of the associated containers 170 andfor the excitation of a plasma therein.

Distributor 177 has a fixed portion 177a to which are connected suitableconduits and electrical cables 178, 179, 180 from vacuum pump 182, gassource 183 and electrical source 184, respectively. The upper portion177b of rotary distributor 177 turns with respect to the fixed base 177ain synchronism with movement of containers 170 around loop 172, andsuitable porting and switching (not shown) controls the connection ofeach container with the vacuum pump, gas or electrical source at propertimes.

At loading station 186 the cover 173 of container 170 is opened and anarticle 187 deposited therein as from a belt conveyor 188. Cover 173then closes and the sterilization process commences. After the container170 has traveled around the conveyor loop 172, container bottom 174 isopened at a discharge station 190 and article 187 is deposited on aconveyor belt 191 which moves it on for further handling.

It has been found that the sterilization process may sometimes be moreefficient at an elevated temperature. Accordingly, a portion of conveyorloop 172 may extend through a heating tunnel, the entrance and exit ofwhich are indicated by broken lines 192, 193.

While I have shown and described certain embodiments of my invention, itis to be understood that it is capable of many modifications. Changes,therefore, in the construction and arrangement may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as without in theappended claims.

I claim:

1. A method of modifying the reproductive mechanism of an organism whichcomprises establishing a rarefied atmosphere, establishing a low energyplasma by exciting said rarefied atmosphere with alternating energycomprising a plurality of discrete frequencies, said energy includingelectromagnetic radiation and alternating magnetic fields at differentfrequencies, and exposing the organism to the plasma.

2. A method of modifying the reproductive mechanism of an organism whichcomprises establishing a rarefied atmosphere, establishing a low energyplasma by exciting the rarefied atmosphere with an electric fieldincluding a wide range of frequencies, having a basic frequency of theorder of 10 kilohertz, established periodically at a repetition rate of120 Hertz and exposing the organism to the plasma.

3. The method of claim 2 in which the ratio of average power to peakpower in establishing said field is of the order of O.l.

4. A method of modifying the reproductive mechanism of an organism whichcomprises establishing a rarefied atmosphere, establishing a low energyplasma having an axis by excitation of said rarefied atmosphere andaligning the molecular structure of the organism with respect to theplasma by the application of a unidirectional magnetic field at rightangles to the plasma axis.

5. A method of modifying the reproductive mechanism of an organism whichcomprises establishing a rarefied atmosphere, establishing a low energyplasma by exciting said rarefied atmosphere with alternating energycovering a wide range of frequencies applied sequentially and exposingthe organism to the plasma.

6. A method of modifying the reproductive mechanism of an organism whichcomprises establishing a rarefied atmosphere, establishing a low energyplasma by exciting said rarefied atmosphere with alternating energy at afirst frequency pulsed at a lower frequency, said pulsation at saidlower frequency creating a wide range of excitation frequencies, andexposing the organism to the plasma.

7. A method of modifying the reproductive mechanism of an organism whichcomprises establishing a rarefied atmosphere, establishing a low energyplasma by exciting said rarefied atmoshere with alternating energycomprising a plurality of discrete frequencies applied sequentially andexposing the organism to the plasma.

8. A method of modifying the reproductive mechanism of an organism whichcomprises establishing a rarefied atmosphere in a medium selected from agroup comprising ethylene oxide, and a paraffin hydrocarbon with one ormore fluorine atoms, establishing a low energy plasma by excitation ofsaid rarefied atmosphere and exposing the organism to the plasma.

9. An apparatus for creating a low energy plasma, comprising;

means defining a treatment zone;

field establishing means operatively associated with said zone andincluding a plurality of pairs of spaced electrodes;

means providing an electric shield between adjacent electrodes;

a plurality of sources of alternating energy at different frequenciesconnected with different pairs of said electrodes to create a plasma insaid zone; and

means within said zone for supporting matter to be subjected to theplasma.

10. An apparatus for sterilizing matter, comprising:

a plurality of chambers traveling in a closed path between a loading anda discharging station, each chamber having field establishing meansoperably associated therewith;

means operable during travel of each chamber from the loading station tothe discharge station for establishing a treatment zone therein,including means for maintaining a rarefied atmosphere in the chamber anda source of electrical energy connected with said field establishingmeans to create a low energy plasma in the chamber;

means within each chamber for supporting matter to be subjected to theplasma; and

conveyor means for delivering matter to be sterilized to said loadingzone and for removing sterilized matter from the discharge zone.

1. A METHOD OF MODIFYING THE REPRODUCTIVE MECHANISM OF AN ORGANISM WHICHCOMPRISES ESTABLISHING A RAREFIELD ATMOSPHERE, ESTABLISHING A LOW ENERGYPLASMA BY EXCITING SAID RAREFIELD ATMOSPHERE WITH ALTERNATING ENERGYCOMPRISING A PLURALITY OF DISCRETE FREQUENCIES, SAID ENERGY INCLUDINGELECTRO-
 2. A method of modifying the reproductive mechanism of anorganism which comprises establishing a rarefied atmosphere,establishing a low energy plasma by exciting the rarefied atmospherewith an electric field including a wide range of frequencies, having abasic frequency of the order of 10 kilohertz, established periodicallyat a repetition rate of 120 Hertz and exposing the organism to theplasma.
 3. The method of claim 2 in which the ratio of average power topeak power in establishing said field is of the order of 0.1.
 4. Amethod of modifying the reproductive mechanism of an organism whichcomprises establishing a rarefied atmosphere, establishing a low energyplasma having an axis by excitation of said rarefied atmosphere andaligning the molecular structure of the organism with respect to theplasma by the application of a unidirectional magnetic field at rightangles to the plasma axis.
 5. A method of modifying the reproductivemechanism of an organism which comprises establishing a rarefiedatmosphere, establishing a low energy plasma by exciting said rarefiedatmosphere with alternating energy covering a wide range of frequenciesapplied sequentially and exposing the organism to the plasma.
 6. Amethod of modifying the reproductive mechanism of an organism whichcomprises establishing a rarefied atmosphere, establishing a low energyplasma by exciting said rarefied atmosphere with alternating energy at afirst frequency pulsed at a lower frequency, said pulsation at saidlower frequency creating a wide range of excitation frequencies, andexposing the organism to the plasma.
 7. A method of modifying thereproductive mechanism of an organism which comprises establishing ararefied atmosphere, establishing a low energy plasma by exciting saidrarefied atmoshere with alternating energy comprising a plurality ofdiscrete frequencies applied sequentially and exposing the organism tothe plasma.
 8. A method of modifying the reproductive mechanism of anorganism which comprises establishing a rarefied atmosphere in a mediumselected from a group comprising ethylene oxide, and a paraffinhydrocarbon with one or more fluorine atoms, establishing a low energyplasma by excitation of said rarefied atmosphere and exposing theorganism to the plasma.
 9. An apparatus for creating a low energyplasma, comprising; means defining a treatment zone; field establishingmeans operatively associated with said zone and including a plurality ofpairs of spaced electrodes; means providing an electric shield betweenadjacent electrodes; a plurality of sources of alternating energy atdifferent frequencies connected with different pairs of said electrodesto create a plasma in said zone; and means within said zone forsupporting matter to be subjected to the plasma.
 10. An apparatus forsterilizing matter, comprising: a plurality of chambers traveling in aclosed path between a loading and a discharging station, each chamberhaving field establishing means operably associated therewith; meansoperable during travel of each chamber from the loading station to thedischarge station for establishing a treatment zone therein, includingmeans for maintaining a rarefied atmosphere in the chamber and a sourceof electrical energy connected with said field establishing means tocreate a low energy plasma in the chamber; means within each chamber forsupporting matter to be subjected to the plasma; and conveyor means fordelivering matter to be sterilized to said loading zone and for removingsterilized matter from the discharge zone.